Improving the Health of the Population and Creating Equity in Access to Primary Care for Vulnerable Populations: Innovative Partnerships and Care Coordination

After identifying inequities with affordable access to primary care services and an uncoordinated system for vulnerable community populations, the hospital formed a community stakeholder group. Later, a formal partnership between the local hospital and university was forged to form a primary care clinic.

The goal was to improve community coordination, provide equitable care and improve access in a more cost-effective manner while reducing emergency department utilization for primary care. Upon opening in August 2009, the care clinic filled to capacity and exceeded the first year volume projections by more than 100 percent.

Results from the first three years of operations included: improved care coordination between community organizations, increased staff—from one provider to four and increased volume. Read the whole case study below (click 'view item').

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)